BMW X1 Concept: First Official Pictures!

Click here for an updated high-res image gallery of the X1

The Bavarian automaker’s X1 Concept will make its formal world premier at the Paris Motor Show in a few days time, but as often is the case the first official photos hit the web a bit earlier. Strip away those aluminum inserts on the X1 Concept and you can easily tell that what you see here is what you’ll get in late 2009 when BMW releases the production version of its baby SUV –slash- Crossover that will sit right under the X3 competing against the likes of the Toyota RAV-4 and VW Tiguan. -Continued

And now to our beloved subject when it comes to new BMWs: the styling. Well, let's put it this way; the X1 does stand out but for all the wrong reasons. The X1’s concave body surfacing and fussy detailing bring to mind the X3 and X5 while the front end with the large headlights and oversize kidney grilles are apparently inspired from the new 7-Series. Overall the X1 is no beauty when it comes to design.

There are no pictures of the X1's cabin as we speak, but we’re guessing the interior styling will mix elements from both the 1-Series and X3. Technical details are also scarce for the time being and the only thing we now for a fact about the X1 Concept is that it is loosely based on the underpinnings of the 1-Series and that it is equipped with BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

Stay tuned on Carscoop as we'll add more details as soon as we get hold of them. In the meantime, check out the gallery below or click here to view the official BMW X1 Concept teaser video.

Toyota Preparing Venza Projects for SEMA Show

Toyota’s SEMA show stand in Las Vegas this November will host the debut of two customized versions of the Venza crossover. Beginning with Five Axis’ Venza AS V, it features a complete bodykit with new front and rear bumpers as well as slightly wider fenders and 20-inch alloy wheels. One of the most prominent features on the Venza AS V will be the integrated stow-away rack system created by Magna Car Top Systems that can transport a variety of items like bicycles and skis. -Continued

Second up is the SportLux Venza by Street Image that sports a bodykit and new alloy wheels. Interior modifications include the upgraded black/burgundy leather treatment and an upscale navigation unit that is equipped with a full entertainment system. Furthermore, Street Image says that it will also upgrade the engine as well as the braking and suspension systems.

Skoda Octavia Facelift: Official Photos, New 1.4 TSI

*Click Here for an updated image gallery with 57 High-Resolution Photos

The first official images of the facelifted Octavia made an unexpected appearance on the web today ahead of the mid-size model’s world premier at the Paris Motor Show later this week. For the 2009 model the Czech carmaker redesigned the Octavia’s front end bringing it in line with the new Fabia and Superb models while changes at the rear are narrowed to the restyled tail lamps and the tweaked bumper. The revised Octavia liftback and station-wagon models also feature door mirrors with integrated turn indicators and new alloy wheel designs. -Continued

Inside, the 2009 Octavia benefits from a new generation of three and four-spoke steering wheels, air-conditioning, radio and navigation system controls as well as new materials and colours for the seats and the lining of the door panels.

Despite the fact that we’re still waiting for the official press release, Carscoop sources report that the new Octavia will be available with five petrol and three diesel engines, including for the first time, VW Group’s turbocharged 1.4-liter TSI gasoline engine with 122 HP.

ACS3 Sport Cabriolet Based on the BMW M3 Cabrio

The way AC Schnitzer describes the BMW M3 Cabrio, I'm surprised they don't have to get out every half a mile for a change of trousers, but lets be honest – the rest of us would probably have to do the same as well.

The model is labelled the ACS3 Sport Cabriolet, a sports suspension by suspension guru Manfred Wollgarten is claimed to have thoroughly mastered the physics of driving the M3. Around the bonnet's powerdome are two AC Schnitzer Vents which emit a howling sound during driving.

The sides feature flexibly moulded side skirts which emphasise the wheelarches, these house the 20" Type V lightweight wheels and AC Schnitzer's 8-pot high performance braking system. Other features found on the model include a carbon fibre rear diffuser and a sports rear silencer with chromed tailpipes in "Racing“ design

The acclaimed tuning house has yet to get to work on the award winning 309 kW / 420 HP V8 engine, but we are assured we can expect announcements in this area some time in the future.

MINI Cooper Performance Upgrades by Hamann

In early 2007, BMW Group tuning specialist, Hamann, was quick to produce an aerodynamics styling kit for the new second generation R56 Mini, but took over a year and a half to complete the program with engine performance upgrades mainly consisting of reprogrammed ECUs.

Nonetheless, the Bosch Motrotnic ignition control unit has be remapped, and the 1.6-liter turbo engine in the Cooper S, which normally produces 175 hp / 128 kW, has been increased to 204 hp/ 150 kW at 5,500 r.p.m. and torque of 300 Nm at 1,600 – 5,000 rpm.

However, Hamann offers an even more powerful kit for the Cooper S. Called SPORTKIT CS 230, it adds on top of the ECU upgrade with an improved intercooler and sport muffler making 230hp / 169 kW at 6,050 r.p.m. and 330 Nm torque at 3,860 r.p.m. As a result, top speed increases to 238 km/h and 0-100 km/h increase by at least 0.5 seconds.

For the Cooper D which normally has 110 hp, it now makes 26hp / 20 kW more for a total of 136 hp / 100 kW at 4,000 r.p.m. and a maximum torque of a huge 300 Nm at 1,750 – 2,000 r.p.m.

AC Schnitzer X5 Falcon

German BMW tuning specialist, AC Schnitzer, from Aachen has a new widebody kit for the BMW X5. Called the Falcon, it gets its name from the front and rear wheel arch flairs which are lovingly referred to as broad “wings”.

The kit includes front spoiler, rear skirt and front/rear fender flairs. AC Schnitzer further emphasizes the 'bird of pray' theme with two triangular metal-rimmed air intakes in the bonnet. Add AC Schnitzer's lowering spring kit, sport exhaust system plus 22-inch wheels for the completed look.

For the 3.0 litre diesel engine, ACS offers an electronically upgraded which bumps power from the standard 286hp (210 kW) to 310hp (228kW).

Rhys Millen’s 2008 SEMA Hyundai Genesis Coupe in the Works

One of the three Genesis Coupes set to make a splash at Hyundai’s 2008 SEMA show booth in late-November is the so-called “Art of Speed” by Rhys Millen Racing (RMR). Back in July, RMR and Hyundai produced a teaser sketch of the vehicle so we could get a taste of what to expect in Las Vegas. Now, the folks over at Rhys Millen have released real-life images of the Genesis Coupe striped down to pieces in their workshop. -Continued

The “Art of Speed” that will be based on the base 4-cylinder Genesis Coupe will benefit among other things from a new turbo kit for the 2.0-liter engine which will be matted to a HKS sequential race transmission, sport suspension, larger Brembo brakes, Enkei alloy wheels, an eight-point roll cage and a RMR wide body kit.

Via: Cardomain

Pagani Zonda 7

Pagani Zonda 7, originally uploaded by Jalopy Jon.

BTCC - Michael Doyle Honda

BTCC - Michael Doyle Honda, originally uploaded by Adam Boix.

Volvo Reveals UK Pricing on DRIVe Models

Even though the official presentation of the new economical sub-120g/km diesel variants of the C30 hatch, S40 Sedan and V50 SportWagon called “DRIVe” is scheduled for the Paris motorshow at the end of the week, Volvo UK today announced preliminary prices for all three models. The new DRIVe range will start at £15,410 OTR for the C30 and £17,260 and £18,660 for the S40 and V50 respectively. Production of the new DRIVe models that are equipped with a special set of efficiency-enhancing features will start in mid-November with first UK customer deliveries in January 2. -Continued

DRIVe range	OTR Prices
C30 DRIVe
1.6D S	£15,410
1.6D SE	£16,910
1.6D SE Lux	£18,410
S40 DRIVe
1.6D S	£17,260
1.6D SE	£18,760
1.6D SE Lux	£20,260
V50 DRIVe
1.6D S	£18,660
1.6D SE	£20,160
1.6D SE Lux	£21,660

Ferrari Extends Personalization Program to 599 GTB Fiorano

Along with unveiling of the new California coupe-cabriolet, Ferrari’s stand at the Paris Auto Show will also host the official announcement on the extension of the company’s customaziation program called “One To One” which debuted last March on the 612 Scaglietti, to the 599 GTB Fiorano. With the new program 599 GTB Fiorano clients will be able to visit a dedicated atelier in Maranello to create their own bespoke version by adding special touches like unique leather colors and trim options as well as one-of-a-kind paint schemes. -Continued

The BMW X1 Teaser err… X5 Teaser

There is a saying, if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, chances are it is a duck. Same goes for this allegedly leaked teaser image of the X1 that not only looks like an X5, but it is in fact an X5. To be precise, someone digitally manipulated a picture of the latest generation X5 with an M Package. Nuff said.

TAG Heuer Launches Limited Edition Grand Carrera Singapore Watch

In celebration of the first ever Formula 1 night race at Singapore that saw Fernando Alonso taking his first win of the season for Renault, TAG Heuer created a commemorative Grand Carrera watch that will be produced in a limited run of 150 pieces, all of which will be exclusively available at TAG Heuer boutiques and Grand Carrera authorized retailers in Singapore only. -Continued

To be precise, there are only 149 watches left as the Limited Edition Grand Carrera Singapore timepiece numbered 1 of 150 that was autographed by TAG Heuer ambassador and defending world champion, Kimi Raikkonen, was auctioned at the MILK (Mainly I Love Kids) Charity Gala at Shangri-La Hotel on the same night for S$40,000 or about US$ 28,000.

Suzuki Grand Vitara Facelift with new 2.4L Engine: 32 High-Res Photos

Marking the celebrations for the 20 years of the Vitara and Grand Vitara models, Suzuki launched the facelifted version of its latest generation compact SUV in Europe this week. The 2009 Grand Vitara which is available in both three and five-door body styles, features subtle styling tweaks and most importantly, a new 2.4-litre petrol engine matted to either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission that replaces the 2.0-liter unit. -Continued

Both the exterior and interior of the 2009 Grand Vitara have been given a mild facelift that includes a slightly revised front end treatment with and new door mirrors with integrated turn indicators. Inside the cabin sports new chrome and wood-effect inlays, together with improvements to the design and operation of some of the dashboard controls, including a new multi-information display and revised air conditioning control panel.

The new flagship model in the European Grand Vitara range is equipped with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine developed from the 140 HP 2.0-litre petrol unit that it replaces. In the 3-door model, the 2.4L engine delivers an output of 166 HP while in the five-door model, 169 HP. When matted to the standard five-speed manual gearbox, the three-door Grand Vitara 2.4 accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 11.2 sec (5d: 11.7 sec) and goes on to a top speed of 180 km/h or 112 mph.

Though standard equipment differs from country to country, the Grand Vitara 2.4 will be offered in most markets with ESP, 17 (3d) or 18 (5d) inch alloy wheels, electrically-operated glass sun-roof (5d), in-dash 6CD player with MP3 compatibility, and leather seats (5d) as standard.